Snake Charmer Quilt - Desert Border

Vintage Snake Charmer Quilt from the nomadic Saami community of the Sindh region of Pakistan, with a style of fine, hand stitched embroidery that is unique to this group. Snake charmers are not entertainers but rather they perform a religious function in the area that crosses between Hindu and Muslim (Sufi) religions. Traditionally, the snake charmers who would roam from village to village, and, sitting on their quilts, would play the been - a musical snake instrument. The stitches are said to represent different knids of snakes. 

The cultural significance of the quilts runs deep as they are mostly made for wedding dowry and then used for bedcovers, furniture covers, floor rugs, wraps in cold weather and baby cradles. They are mentioned in old Urdu and Sufi poetry and are also gifted to the holy men of these areas.  

Unusual gold mustard wide border surrounding a rich magenta central section, the whole with detailed and delicate open sititching in the cross pattern and running stitch. The decreasing rectangular pattern is subtle in this quilt

Reverse side a neutral mid grey with some staining in places.

Great as a quilt on a bed, or throw on a couch.

Textile Book: SSaami Quilts